The US's mendacity as regards Turkey's bid to join the EU exposed: in his landmark address, Bush dropped Turkey altogether:
Bush: Alliance 'main pillar of our security'
Monday, February 21, 2005 Posted: 1706 GMT (0106 HKT)
Bush: "Spreading liberty for the sake of peace is the cause of all mankind."
BRUSSELS, Belgium (CNN) -- President Bush -- making a five-day trip to Belgium, Germany and Slovakia -- spoke to European leaders Monday in a wide-ranging speech that called for Syria to withdraw troops from Lebanon, for Russia to embrace democracy and for greater cooperation between the United States and Europe. Here is a transcript of his speech:
[...]
Europe
And one reason for this belief is the experience of Europe. In two world wars, Europe saw the aggressive nature of tyranny and the terrible cost of mistrust and division.
In the Cold War, Europe saw the so-called stability of Yalta was a constant source of injustice and fear.
And Europe also saw how the rise of democratic movements like Solidarity could part an iron curtain drawn by tyrants.
The spread of freedom has helped to resolve old disputes, and the enlargement of NATO and the European Union have made partners out of former rivals.
America supports Europe's democratic unity for the same reason we support the spread of democracy in the Middle East: because freedom leads to peace. America supports a strong Europe, because we need a strong partner in the hard work of advancing freedom and peace in the world.
European leaders demonstrated this vision in Ukraine. Presidents [Aleksander] Kwasniewski of Poland, [Valdas] Adamkus of Lithuania, Javier Solana of the EU helped to resolve the election crisis and bring Ukraine back into the camp of freedom.
As a free government takes hold in that country, and as the government of President [Viktor] Yushchenko pursues vital reforms, Ukraine should be welcomed by the Europe Atlantic family.
We must support new democracies, so members of our alliance must continue to reach out to Georgia, for last year, a peaceful protest overturned a stolen election and unleashed the forces of democratic change.
Russia
I also believe that Russia's future lies within the family of Europe and the trans-Atlantic community.
America supports WTO [World Trade Organization] membership for Russia, because meeting WTO standards will strengthen the gains of freedom and prosperity in that country.
Yet for Russia to make progress as a European nation, the Russian government must renew a commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
We recognize that reform will not happen overnight. We must always remind Russia, however, that our alliance stands for a free press, a vital opposition, the sharing of power and the rule of law.
And the United States and all European countries should place democratic reform at the heart of their dialogue with Russia.
[...]
edition.cnn.com
Then again, I told you so....
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